We got what we wanted from this practice game: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma of India plays the ball down to fine leg past wicketkeeper Tim Seifert of the New Zealand XI during day two of the international tour match between the New Zealand XI and India at Cobham Oval on February 3, 2014 in Whangarei, New Zealand.

Whangarei, New Zealand: Rohit Sharma, the stand-in captain for MS Dhoni in the only practice match ahead of the Test series against New Zealand, seems to be of the belief that the Indian team has drawn the maximum out of the fixture by spending useful time at the crease and testing new fast bowling options.

While Rohit and Ajinkya Rahane registered half-centuries, Ambati Rayudu added 49 runs to the team score. Cheteshwar Pujara, however, could only manage 33 runs. Ashwin scored some useful runs and took two for 46 in his outing with the ball.

Ishant Sharma (2/58), Zaheer Khan (1/42) and Umesh Yadav(1/70) had decent outings too, but it was Ishwar Pandey who impressed everyone with his three for 42.

He said: “We got what we wanted from this practice game. All the batsmen got in and made some runs which is a good sign before a Test series. We are ready and both the batsmen and the bowlers got what they wanted from this match. I am happy with how things went in the last two days.”

Rohit echoed the popular sentiment about Ishwar Pandey. “Pandey bowled really well. Given the conditions, he stuck to his plans and he got rewarded with three wickets. All the other three fast bowlers also did well. They did not get the wickets they wanted, but Pandey was the one who got really stuck there.”

He also laid emphasis on rotating bowlers instead of having them bowl longer spells. “If you look at their bowling analysis, they probably bowled 15 overs each, which is pretty good on day one. We had to rotate the bowlers, and we had to see all the fast bowlers who were in the squad. Everyone got what they needed to get out of this game. We are looking good and raring to go for the Test series.”

The Indian LOI opener was quick to defend Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay after yet another disappointing show by the openers.

“I won’t say it is disappointing that they didn’t bat longer. They had a decent outing in the middle. They got a feel. It is always disappointing to not get runs. It is not an issue. I am sure it is a matter of one good innings and things will change quickly. That is what I feel and I am sure those guys also feel the same,” Rohit said.

“We knew it was going to be very hectic. Mentally, we have got to be ready and everyone is ready. Touchwood, there are no injuries. We travel tomorrow, get a day off tomorrow and next day we might have practice before the Test. It is always going to be hectic, all about how you adapt to all this mentally.” said Rohit Sharma talking about the toll the tour was taking on the players, given the tight schedules.

Speaking about the ODI series debacle, Rohit said, “At this point, you have to put everything behind. It was very disappointing to lose the ODI series. But we have to focus on what is coming next. The two Tests will be crucial. This is a young team and we know we will be playing away for a while now. We have to understand that.”

Rohit also admitted that the upcoming Test series would definitely not be a cake walk.

“Everyone knows what is in front of us. The two Tests will be really challenging. New Zealand are playing some good cricket. We have to be at our best to beat them. I am sure everyone is ready to take the field,” were his parting words.